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COVERING LETTER WRITING

COVERING LETTER WRITING

What is a cover letter? It’s a letter of introduction that highlights your key accomplishments and fit for a job opening. A cover letter adds focus to your resume. Few employers seriously consider a resume that is not accompanied by a cover letter; thus, a cover letter needs to be part of your job-search strategy. Each cover letter must be tailored to each job, each employer.

Why is a cover letter so important? A resume is of limited value to an employer if he or she doesn’t know what kind of work you want to do. A cover letter tells the employer the type of position you’re seeking — and exactly how you are qualified for that position.

Your cover letter can explain things that your resume can’t. If you have large gaps in your employment history, reentering the job market or changing the focus of your career, or relocating and conducting a long-distance job-search, a cover letter can explain these circumstances in a positive way.

It conveys a very good first impression.
It may stop your mail from being deleted.
It demonstrates your intention in a succinct manner.
Its size & quality reflects upon the sender.
It shows that the sender has not mailed flippantly.
What are some of the most important tips when writing a cover letter?

Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a named individual
Grab the reader’s attention by writing an appealing first paragraph
Highlight your three to four key accomplishments/skills/experiences
Focus on the fit between your qualifications and the job requirements
Whenever possible, relate yourself to the company
Never include any negative information
End your letter by requesting an interview
Mention that you will follow-up your letter — and then do so
Cover letters should be kept to under one page; electronic versions even shorter
Avoid all types of mistakes, including typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors